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Wednesday, 14 December 2011

Canadian Parliament Urges Release of Asia Bibi Sentenced to Death in Pakistan for Blasphemy

By Jeremy ReynaldsSenior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

AJAX, ONTARIO (ANS) -- The leader of the Central Council of Pakistan
Christian Congress (PCC) has praised a resolution from the Canadian Parliament
urging the Pakistani Government to release Asia Bibi.

Asia
Bibi

Bibi, a Christian mother of five,
has been sentenced to death for blasphemy.

According to a story by the Pakistan Christian Post (PCP), in a message to
the Prime Minister and members of the Parliament and Senate of Canada, PCC’s
Raymond Durrani said, “We believe that finally it is sinking in the minds of the
members that causes like these must not be ignored, and for that we at Pakistan
Christian Congress commend you wholeheartedly.”

PCP said Canadian officials resolved, “That the House of Commons joins the
Senate of Canada in calling upon the Government of Pakistan to immediately
release Ms. Asia Bibi, to ensure her safety and well being, to hear the outcry
of the international community and to respect the principles of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.”

PCP reported Bob Dechert, Member for Mississauga-Erindale (CPC) speaking in
the House said, “Last November, the Minister of Foreign Affairs issued a
statement concerning Asia Bibi's incarceration in Pakistan under its blasphemy
law. At the time, the Government of Canada registered its concerns with Pakistan
at the highest levels. We have also called on the Government of Pakistan to
repeal laws criminalizing blasphemy which restrict religious freedom and
expression, and target religious minorities.”

PCP said Dechert added, “We remember the brave stance taken by Governor
Taseer and Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, both of whom have paid the ultimate
sacrifice for their promotion of the rights of religious minorities, tolerance
and legal reforms. The promotion and protection of human rights are an integral
part of Canada's foreign policy.”
Dechert called on Pakistan to release Bibi, and to ensure equal rights and
equal protection for all members of minority communities.

PCP said addressing the House, Phil McColeman, Member for Brant (CPC) said,
“I am deeply concerned over the sentencing of a woman to death for blasphemy in
Pakistan. Asia Bibi was sentenced to death by a local court on November 8. I
hope that this judgment and any others like it will be swiftly struck down on
appeal.”

He added, “My colleague, Senator Salma Ataullahjan, who has been visiting
Pakistan, registered Canada's concerns with the sentencing of Asia Bibi in a
meeting with the Pakistani foreign minister.”

PCP said he continued to say that Canada has repeatedly urged the Government
of Pakistan to repeal laws criminalizing blasphemy, which restrict freedom of
religion and of expression. These laws, he said, have disproportionately
targeted religious minorities.
PCP said the Canadian parliamentarian vowed that Canadian officials will
continue to encourage federal and provincial authorities in Pakistan to respect
the country’s international human rights obligations, and to ensure the safety
and well-being of all of its citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

Durrani concluded, “We admire the courage of the members of the Canadian
Parliament and members of the Canadian Senate, and thank them from the bottom of
our hearts. We really believe that someday members of the Christian nation in
Pakistan will enjoy the same freedom and rights in their own country as the
Canadians and citizens of other countries around the world.”

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